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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Cream-Braised Brussels Sprouts

If you love brussel sprouts raise your hand! Am I in good company as a lover of these adorable little green globes? Or, like the cheese, do I stand alone? I have professed my devotion to this oft-misunderstood vegetable before. How can anyone not be absolutely keen on something that is yummy, nutritious, and cute all at the same time? I mean, how often does that happen? And as much as I love oatmeal, I have to say that it just doesn’t cut it in the cute department.

I can eat these sprouts everyday…and if someone starts growing them locally and brings down the cost, I just might! Steamed and tossed with butter and salt, they are sublime. Sautéed lightly with bacon, they are a dream for a pork-lover like me. As a gratin, a mini-slaw, shredded into scrambled eggs, slivers tossed in a salad…there is not a way, shape, or form that I will not have them.

If we are in agreement, run; don’t walk, to Molly’s wonderful blog Orangette and try her Cream-Braised Brussels Sprouts. It is every bit as good as she says. No. Better. No. Better than better. My husband loves veggies. I wanted to share these with him. Didn’t happen. After the picture you see above was taken, that bowl was licked clean in under 60 seconds. Yes. Lose-your-mind kinda good.

(um, please note that I didn’t make Molly’s full batch…)

The braise in cream brings out the sprouts’ sweetness, making them rich, mellow, and smooth…almost seductive. If such a thing could be said about a wee innocent brussel sprout. Molly mentions the nutty aroma while it’s cooking…oh so true. It drove me a bit batty actually, knowing that I had to wait for them to finish cooking, and then have to take some pictures…

If you love brussel sprouts, make this now.

And if you don’t love brussel sprouts, well, this may just be the recipe that melts your heart and wins you over…

23 comments:

I had never even had brussel sprouts until my husband made me try them about a year ago, and I was completely converted!! I'm so glad you posted where to find all of these wonderful recipes - I am always looking for ways to served them besides just with butter and salt. I'm in heaven!

Oooh Ooh I'm a fan of brussels sprouts AND Molly! In fact Orangette is like the second food blog ever that I stumbled upon when I first discovered food blogs and I've been hooked since. So thanks for this! I trust you and Molly, so I know this is a super recipe! :)

We eat a lot of brussels sprouts in our house. My husband is nutty for them and will eat them first before any other food I serve him. These look fabulous and I will certainly fix them. Thanks for sharing this recipe and taking part in WHB. :)

Hi Deborah! Aren't they great? :) Truth be told, I put together that little round for myself too...so I would have a place to bookmark the brussel sprout recipes I've come across! Glad you enjoyed the post :)

Hi Nens! I totally agree about Molly and Orangette! I have tried another of her super simple recipes and it is excellent (chickpeas with parmesan)...and I've got others bookmarked as well :)

Hi Sher! We don't eat it as often as I'd like because of availability and cost (it's imported) but I do love these little guys :) It's always my pleasure to join a round of WHB...it's a great event!

Hi Anh! They are really simple to prepare...let me know if you do give them a go :)

have you been keeping up with Apartment Therapy's braising weeks & contest? In light of it, I had braised fennel a few days ago... lovely. i adore fennel. this dish looks simply delightful. i'm lovin' that colorful photograph as well!

Joey, I checked out Orangette's blog (first time) for the chick pea & parmesan recipe, because I love both ingredients, always have them in stock, and was hoping the recipe was simple enough for even me to try. I was so pleased to realize that I've actually made something very similar, and mine even had more ingredients! Apart from parmesan, you can also use feta; and it's delicious with capers, cherry tomatoes and olives too. It's the easiest salad I've come up with, because there's no need to wash lettuce, chop up anything, plus -- bonus -- you can eat it with one hand while in front of the computer! ;-)

Hi Freya! I do like the humble brussel sprout a lot :) In truth, it is not too humble here...I actually have to get mine at a specialty food store! Imagine that...

Hi Susan! Hahaha! Yes, you may now put your arm down ;) You are too funny :)

Hi Patricia! Heeheehee :) Yes, maybe we should :) Amazing how much we discover from blogs...

Hi Linda! Thanks for the heads up on Apartment Therapy's braising weeks & contest...sounds interesting! I'll be checking it out :) The fennel sounds good too!

Hi Rosa! We are birds of a feather :) Brussel sprouts with honey and bacon??? I'm so there! I'll be adding it to the round up here ok? :)

Hi Katrina! I love chickpeas too! Not only is it really good, its got a cute name too...like peas for chicks ;) Or peace for chicks :) Anyhoo, your salad sounds great and I will try those combos soon! I also posted very early on about a roasted pepper and chick pea salad (with goats cheese) that has become a favorite here :)

i think brussel sprouts are an aquired taste. i like them well enough and can manage to put away around 5 pcs at a time. rocio up to 2 lang. mini cabbages she calls them. thanks for the recipe post at least now i can enjoy them in more than just butter and salt. ;-)

What a great looking recipe and a fantastic collection of other brussels sprouts recipes. I have to confess that I'm a bit on the fence over brussels sprouts, but maybe this recipe could make me fall over on the "love them" side of the fence!